ome we
should feel pungently, though we have the faith of an angel, and weep
before the smile of God. The evidences of faith, and the brilliant
idealities of hope will hush the voice of murmur, and incite us to kiss the
rod that is laid upon us.

It is, therefore, a Christian privilege to weep over the death of our
departed kindred, yea, who can stifle the anguish of the heart when the
tender flowers of home sink into the waxen form of death? when the
flickering flame of infant life burns lower and weaker; when the
death-glazed eye is closed, and the little bosom heaves no more, and that
lovely form becomes cold as the grave, what parental heart can then remain
unmoved, and what eye can then forbid a tear? Not even the assurance of
infant salvation and the hope of reunion in heaven, can prevent sorrow for
the dead.

"To think his child is blest above,
To pray their parting grief,
These, these may soothe, but death alone,
Can heal a father's grief."

But this grief should never amount to dissatisfaction with God. Though it
is right to weep, it is wrong to murmur. Many parents murmuringly mourn
the loss of their children, and in wrestling with God to spare them, betray
the want of a true submission to His will. It is sinful to murmur at the
decrees of God. We have seen that they are wise, and all designed for our
good. Methinks if your dying babe could respond to your murmuring sighs and
tears around its crib, it would thus reprove you:--

"Nay, mother, fix not thus on me
That streaming eye,
And clasp not thus my freezing hand;
For I must die.
To Him ye gave the opening bud,
The early bloom;
Then grieve not that the ripened fruit
He gathers home."

But we should not only refrain from murmuring, but meekly submit to the
providential afflictions of our home. We should remember that all the
adversities of life are from the Lord, and that when death invades our
household, and crushes the fond hopes of our hearts, it is for some wise
and good purpose. Though we may not understand it here, where we look
through a glass darkly; but eternity will reveal it. Though the dying of a
child is like tearing a limb from us; but remember God demands it.
Surrender it to Him, therefore, with Christian resignation. He does not
demand it without a cause. It may offend thee, though it be a right hand or
a right eye. Let the branch be cut off. At the resurrection you shall see
it again. Give it u